Steven Schwartz wrote concerning Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra:

>Szell's should have been the best performance, but he takes a huge
>cut (which Bartok, in a weak moment, sanctioned) in the final movement.
>There's really no excuse for this.

It is my understanding that this recording maybe reissued under Sony
Masterwork Heritage label coupled with Prokofiev's 5th.  Why did Szell
cut the final?

>This leaves the Reiner and the Chicago on RCA.  It's been my favorite
>performance for years.  Great playing, superb sound (even better on CD),
>long arcs of musical argument, sharp rhythm.

I wholeheartedly agree as many have on the list.  Reiner seemed to really
understand the world of this music.  Didn't Reiner also have some role in
commissioning this particular piece?

Mark Seeley